5 Taylor Jenkins Reid Books New Readers Should Start With

Taylor Jenkins Reid has become one of the biggest names in modern fiction and honestly, it is easy to see why. Her books are emotional, addictive, dramatic, and filled with characters that feel so real you start thinking about them long after you finish reading. She has a way of writing relationships, fame, ambition, heartbreak, and complicated people that makes her stories impossible to put down.

One thing I really appreciate about Taylor Jenkins Reid is that every book feels different while still carrying her signature style. Some novels feel like old Hollywood dramas while others feel like documentaries about rock stars or emotional stories about athletes chasing greatness. Yet somehow, they all feel connected through deeply human characters.

If you are new to her books, figuring out where to start can actually feel overwhelming because she has so many popular novels now. Some readers jump straight into her biggest hits while others prefer starting with something more emotional and character driven.

So if you are looking for the best Taylor Jenkins Reid books for beginners, these are the five I think every new reader should check out first.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

If there is one Taylor Jenkins Reid book that completely changed her career, it is The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. This is the novel that turned her into a must-read author for millions of readers.

The story follows Evelyn Hugo, a legendary Hollywood actress who decides to finally tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. She chooses an unknown journalist named Monique Grant to write her biography, and what follows is one of the most emotional and surprising stories I have read in contemporary fiction.

What makes this book such a perfect starting point is how readable it is. The chapters move quickly, the mystery behind Evelyn’s life keeps you hooked, and the emotional moments hit hard. It feels dramatic in the best possible way.

Evelyn herself is one of the strongest fictional characters Taylor Jenkins Reid has ever created. She is ambitious, flawed, manipulative, loving, and heartbreaking all at once. You may not always agree with her choices, but you will absolutely understand them.

This is also the book where you really see Taylor Jenkins Reid’s ability to create fictional celebrities who feel real. By the end of the novel, Evelyn Hugo honestly feels like a forgotten Hollywood icon who actually existed.

If you only read one Taylor Jenkins Reid book to see what all the hype is about, make it this one.

Daisy Jones & The Six

This is probably Taylor Jenkins Reid’s most unique novel and one of the easiest books to binge-read in a single sitting.

Daisy Jones & The Six is written in an interview format, almost like you are reading a documentary transcript about a fictional rock band from the 1970s. At first, the format may seem unusual, but after a few chapters, it becomes impossible to stop reading.

The novel follows Daisy Jones, a rising singer-songwriter, and the members of The Six as they become one of the biggest bands in the world before suddenly breaking up at the height of their fame.

The biggest strength of this book is the characters. Every band member feels distinct and believable. Their relationships, rivalries, addictions, insecurities, and ambitions feel incredibly authentic.

Daisy and Billy Dunne carry most of the emotional weight of the story, and their chemistry is absolutely electric. Even though the book is fictional, it genuinely feels like you are reading about a real band from music history.

One of my favorite things about Taylor Jenkins Reid is how she captures obsession and passion, and this novel might be the best example of that. The music, fame, and emotional tension all blend together perfectly.

This is the perfect book for readers who love music, celebrity drama, and emotionally messy characters.

Malibu Rising

While Malibu Rising connects loosely to some of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s other novels, it works perfectly as a standalone story for new readers.

The book centers around the famous Riva siblings during one chaotic night in Malibu in 1983. Their annual summer party spirals completely out of control while long-buried family secrets begin surfacing throughout the night.

What I really enjoyed about this novel was how emotional it becomes beneath all the glamour and chaos. At its core, this is a story about family, abandonment, fame, and trying to figure out who you are when your parents fail you.

The sibling dynamics are easily the best part of the novel. Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit all feel believable, and their bond carries the emotional center of the story.

Taylor Jenkins Reid also does an amazing job capturing the atmosphere of Malibu in the 1980s. The beaches, celebrity culture, surfing lifestyle, and endless parties make the setting feel vibrant and alive.

Compared to some of her heavier books, Malibu Rising feels slightly faster and more accessible while still delivering emotional depth. That makes it a great choice for readers who want something dramatic and entertaining without being emotionally overwhelming.

Carrie Soto Is Back

I honestly do not think this book gets enough attention compared to Taylor Jenkins Reid’s bigger hits.

Carrie Soto Is Back follows legendary tennis player Carrie Soto as she comes out of retirement to defend her record after a younger player threatens to surpass her achievements.

Even if you know absolutely nothing about tennis, this book still works incredibly well because the sport is really just the backdrop for a story about ambition, aging, legacy, and perfectionism.

Carrie is not written to be instantly likable, and that is exactly why she is such an interesting protagonist. She is fiercely competitive, emotionally guarded, and obsessed with winning. But underneath all of that is a vulnerable character struggling with identity and purpose.

This might actually be Taylor Jenkins Reid’s most inspiring novel because it focuses so heavily on determination and resilience. Watching Carrie fight against expectations and criticism becomes surprisingly emotional.

The father-daughter relationship in this book is also beautifully written and adds so much heart to the story.

I think this is one of the best books for readers who enjoy character-driven stories about ambition and personal growth.

Maybe in Another Life

While most people immediately recommend Taylor Jenkins Reid’s celebrity-focused novels, I think Maybe in Another Life deserves more attention from new readers.

This novel explores the idea of parallel lives and how one decision can completely change your future. The story follows Hannah Martin as two different timelines unfold after she makes a choice at the end of a night out with friends.

One timeline shows what happens if she goes home with her best friend while the other explores what happens if she leaves with an old boyfriend.

What makes this book stand out is how relatable it feels. Almost everyone has wondered how life would look if they made different choices at certain moments. Taylor Jenkins Reid takes that idea and turns it into an emotional and thoughtful story about fate, love, friendship, and self-discovery.

Compared to some of her more dramatic novels, this one feels quieter and more personal. But it still contains the emotional depth and strong relationships that make her books so addictive.

It is also one of her easiest books to read casually, making it a great starting point for readers who want something emotional without diving into heavier celebrity drama.

Why Taylor Jenkins Reid Is So Popular

Part of what makes Taylor Jenkins Reid such a successful author is her ability to write emotionally messy characters who still feel deeply human. Her novels are filled with flawed people making complicated decisions, and that realism makes her stories resonate with so many readers.

She also understands pacing extremely well. Her books are never difficult to get into, and they almost always make you want to keep reading just one more chapter.

Another huge strength is how immersive her worlds feel. Whether she is writing about old Hollywood, rock bands, professional tennis, or Malibu parties, every setting feels authentic and lived in.

And most importantly, her books balance entertainment with emotional depth. You can fly through them quickly, but they still leave a lasting emotional impact afterward.

Final Thoughts

Taylor Jenkins Reid is one of those authors who makes reading feel effortless. Her novels are emotional, character-driven, and incredibly easy to get invested in, which makes them perfect for both experienced readers and people trying to get back into reading.

If you want the most iconic place to start, go with The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. If you love music and celebrity drama, pick up Daisy Jones & The Six. And if you want something more emotional and family-focused, Malibu Rising is a fantastic choice.

No matter where you start, there is a good chance you will end up wanting to read all of her books afterward. Until next time, happy reading!

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